How to nail Hamptons style

There is nothing more timeless than a Hamptons-style home. Take inspiration from the East Coast of America and create a calming retreat.

Sue Stubbs

1. Colour palette

Set the tone with a predominantly white colour palette layered with neutrals in whites, greys, creams and beiges. Take inspiration from the coast with calming blues, but keep the look restrained. Avoid cliched nautical motifs such as anchors and sailing boats.

Martina Gemmola

2. Indoors/outdoors

Hamptons living is all about open-plan living. Throw open the doors and let the light flood in. Looking for a hero plant for your garden? Look no further than hydrangeas.

Sue Stubbs

3. Natural materials

When working with neutrals, it's important to add depth and texture through natural materials such as linen, rattan and sisal. Natural timber flooring against white cabinetry is a key look, while white-washed wooden boards give your space a high-end beach resort vibe.

4. Luxury kitchen

A key element of a Hamptons-style kitchen is a Carrera marble benchtop. If you're on a budget, marble-look reconstituted stone works well. Add white cabinetry with a Shaker-style profile, and finish with polished nickel or chrome handles.

5. Super-size it

Create a sense of luxurious space by going big. Think large mirrors, an abundance of plump cushions, sumptuous classic lounges and room-sized rugs.

Rebecca Lowrey BoydRebecca Lowrey Boyd is a former magazine editor and the founder of Wee Birdy, one of The Sunday Times’ Top 50 Blogs in the World. A design nerd and bird enthusiast, she can usually be found poring over Pinterest, knee-deep in Bunnings or sticky-beaking at modernist homes in Sydney’s bushburbia.